Instructor: Diane Turnshek, turnshek@yahoo.com
 

I. Why is it necessary to have science in science fiction?

-- Definitions of SF
-- By editorial request
-- Examples of successful, recently published works
-- Enhance scientific literacy
-- More reasons

II. How do you add astronomy to your fiction?

Learn science.

-- Read a book.
-- Take a class.
-- Ask experts.
-- Join a club.
-- Research the Internet.
-- Subscribe to magazines.

III. Build a world or a universe.

-- Define world-building
-- From the top down.
-- From the bottom up.
-- Two ways of adding astronomy: integral to plot or as spice.

IV. Some Basic Astronomy

-- Planetarium programs for lunar phases, sunrise and sunset, observations of satellites and planets, eclipses.
-- Atmospheric phenomena: aurora, moon dogs, solar and lunar halos, rainbows, solar pillars and green flashes.
-- Visual backyard astronomy: meteor showers, constellations, comets.
-- Deep space astronomy.

V. How NOT to include astronomy in your fiction.

-- Consequences of bad science
-- Astrology

VI. Exercises

1.) Write a haiku poem describing an astronomical phenomenon.
    (The SciFaiku Manifesto clearly explains the guidelines for this kind of poetry.)
2.) Write an astronomical limerick.
3.) Write a short scene (10 minutes) describing the astronomical object your protagonist sees outside her spacecraft.
4.) Take a classic or favorite science fiction story and plan a rewrite as fantasy (or vice versa).